Disney Etiquette

Disney is a great place to vacation and enjoy some time with your family, friends, or even just with yourself. However there are a few etiquette guidelines everyone should follow to keep the experience magical for yourself and others!

Etiquette is Important for PrincessesEtiquette is Important for Princesses
So in no particular order here we go!

Line Etiquette. This one got our forum members talking a while back and it is seemingly one of the biggest Disney pet peeves people have! Have everyone in your party who is riding get together before you get in line. It can be really frustrating to see people go past you in line, especially when the parks are busy! Second, try to not leave the line to go to the bathroom, grab a drink, etc. The exception is if you have a young child and then it is totally understandable. And finally please don't get in the fast pass line if you don't have one.

Also while waiting in line for transportation no shoving, I promise you will get to where you need to go.

Walking Etiquette. Stopping in the middle of a busy walkway can be really annoying. Step off to the side or into a designated picture taking spot to snap a shot or check out your map.

Ride Etiquette. Move all the way to the end of your row, especially during peak season. Also flash photography on most rides is prohibited because it can ruin the experience for other riders (this is especially true in the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean!) And the same goes for the floodlights on video cameras.

Personal Etiquette. There are a few things here that should be addressed. First proper clothing is always a good idea...remember Disney is a family destination! Next up hygiene, deodorant and bathing is always a good idea at Disney. Language is another big one, again remember Disney is a family place with lots of impressionable kids. Finally remember that there are designated smoking areas so please don't smoke where everyone else is!

The most important rule of Disney etiquette is to smile, be polite, and act with courtesy towards others! This alone will make your trip a million times more enjoyable.

So what are your pet-peeves in the parks? Any Disney etiquette must-dos or must don'ts I forgot?

Jaime wrote on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 17:13:

Jaime's picture

I've only been to Disney World once - on my honeymoon last year. The first thing my husband and I did was board the bus to MK. A woman on a scooter boarded first, parking her scooter in the back and taking a regular seat. The bus was packed, and a little girl sat on the woman's scooter. Scooter lady started screaming at the little girl's mom to get the kid off of her scooter, throwing out a few four-letter words in the process too. Another man got involved, telling scooter lady he didn't appreciate her language. I just looked at my husband and said, "Welcome to the happiest place on earth!"

Chad wrote on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 17:59:

Chad's picture

Great article! Your ride etiquette reminders resonate with my family after our trip to the Magic Kingdom in September. EVERY time we rode Pirates, the people behind us took lots of flash photos. I think it might help to add several translations of the cue line recording, so that all visitors hear "no flash photography" in their own language. Thanks again!

Adriana L wrote on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 19:51:

Adriana L's picture

How about throwing out your garbage at table service restaurants! Courtesy would be to put your garbage in the bin and your tray in a designated area. These are not table service, you do not have a waitress and you are not leaving a tip, it's your job to clean up after yourself in this regard. Plus it frees up a table much faster than if your garbage sits there for any period of time.

lori hope wrote on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 19:52:

lori hope's picture

I am not very tall and when I am waiting for fireworks or a parade I always seem to have someone show up just as it starts and put their kid, sometimes sleeping, on their shoulders. Please look behind you. We get in our place early and end up not being able to see.

Estelle wrote on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 20:08:

Estelle's picture

I think RESPECT would actually go a long way as well. When it comes to our guests, cast members, everyone. It's sad how people forget their manners when they are on vacation but my thinking is if they don't have it in WDW they normally don't have it in real life anyway.

Good list though! I think you hit everything!

Barbara wrote on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 20:27:

Barbara's picture

All of the above are important, but I would include using cell phones privately or discreetly especially on a bus or in a restaurant. I really do not need to hear all of your plans, problems, etc.

Judy wrote on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 20:42:

Judy's picture

We had a group a few weeks ago sit down in the middle of the row at Little Mermaid, I politely told them they had to keep moving to the end of the row. They were not happy with me, but the place was packed and my father has Parkinson’s and in the darker rooms it is hard for him to see and for all 15 of us to crawl over was just crazy! They moved to the end then got up and tried to get into another row in the middle but by then it was full, I think they walked out. Really you can see from anywhere in there.

Melinda Gregory wrote on Tue, 10/18/2011 - 13:11:

Melinda Gregory's picture

Do people try to get in the fast pass line without having one?? Really? I would never even think of trying that!

Laura I wrote on Tue, 10/18/2011 - 14:01:

Laura I's picture

How about the people that rent ECV just to go through the handicap line? I totally understand someone who actually NEEDS it to get around because of whatever, broken leg, illness, etc.... But the people who are perfectly fine and walk without out issue from the queue to the ride and sit down like they just did something great really irk me!

Steven wrote on Tue, 10/18/2011 - 15:45:

Steven's picture

when in a rope drop 1st thing in the parks....please don't be rude & nasty if you are "bumped" into, or your feet are accidentally stepped on...it's gonna happen, & if you don't like it, don't get in it...

Kristen K. wrote on Wed, 10/19/2011 - 12:40:

Kristen K.'s picture

Oh Laura - the EVC one is *SUCH* a slippery slope. You can not assume to know why someone is in an EVC. There are many reasons to use an EVC that are completely invisible and completely legit.

I often rent an EVC at WDW because of my Fibromyalgia. I am usually able to transfer without a problem because I'm using the EVC so that I don't injure myself. The behavior of people who simply assume that I'm just lazy is appalling. The choice to use an EVC when you're usually fine at home is NOT an easy one. Deciding to use an EVC is a mentally taxing and emotionally devastating choice, its not a fun thing.

You would be AMAZED at how rude people are to you when you are in an EVC. I would counter your suggestion with one that says proper etiquette demands you have compassion and patience for people who need them instead of automatically thinking the worst.

Bridget wrote on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 02:46:

Bridget's picture

While I definitely agree that one should never be rude to anyone renting an EVC...I think it's safe to say that the MAJORITY of people doing so really dont need to. I have such a hard time believing that SO MANY people truely NEED them. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has thought this...but it's not my place to ever judge. Just saying...

Trueblue63 wrote on Sat, 10/22/2011 - 15:52:

Trueblue63's picture

The ECV thing that bugs me is the driving. A very vocal minority of ECV riders don't seem to think they need to share the road. It's not a problem for me, I'm huge, no one wants any part of me. But my son has had several close calls. I understand that driving an ECV in a crowded place can be nerve wracking. And I understand that at times it must be very frustrating. But that's the trade off. It's unacceptable to drive dangerously or yell at children to get out of your way (yes I saw that).

(if I had to guess, I'd say the same people are equally rude when they aren't on an ECV)

hillerybee wrote on Sun, 10/23/2011 - 06:54:

hillerybee's picture

I have to add in on being appalled at the way people are commenting on those of us that need assistance. Disability is most often not obvious at first glance. Be glad that you yourself are not suffering from massive pain or fatigue or invisible injury and show a little kindness to those of us who have to live with it.

I adore Disney but every visit is a challenge. I often hurt so bad that I have to spend half of the day in my hotel room NOT enjoying the park I have paid for, waiting for my drugs to kick in. When I am finally able to go out my pain is not visible at all. I look like a perfectly healthy person, but if I was not using a ECV I wouldn't be able to enjoy the parks at all. Being able to use the quicker line means that I actually get to enjoy almost the same number of rides a healthy person can in the full day that they are lucky to be able to endure.

I'm sorry if you feel it is rude to ask people to move, but there are so many times at Disney when the path is packed. A walking person could maneuver through the space, but we need more space so that we avoid hurting anyone. It is very hard maneuvering those vehicles through a crowd. They are not as quickly responsive as walking is and they take up a lot more space, and people, especially children, weave around and don't keep to a straight path. It is hard work to avoid hitting someone. Asking people to move is us trying to be courteous and protect you from harm. If we didn't ask often the way is so crowded that we would be sitting in the same spot for 30 minutes.

Any of the other comments you can make about us, I guarantee you that there are also reasons for why we do that, and while some people might be rude about it, the proportion is no greater than the number of rude people in general. Singling us out as a group and complaining about the things that we would LOVE to not have to do is just mean! Be glad you have your healthy bodies and don't have to deal with what we do every day.

Gaylin wrote on Sat, 10/29/2011 - 21:02:

Gaylin's picture

Having just returned from WDW, my biggest pet peeve would be people who don't pay attention when getting on the busses. Blocking the aisles, not moving to the back of the bus and generally stopping the busses from filling properly.

Karen wrote on Fri, 11/04/2011 - 14:16:

Karen's picture

Handicapped line?? I've never seen such a thing at WDW! I guess Laura meant the wheelchair/scooter gate at rides or shows. That gate usually comes up some distance from the start of the queue and often very close to the actual boarding area of the attraction. At shows, you are immediately shunted off to a special parking area to await the next show since all wheelchair and EVCs have to go in at the very back where the handicapped seating is. And since so many of the attractions now accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs in their queues, I've found very little advantage to being in one and, in fact, there is often a disadvantage.

Just because they clump us all together doesn't mean we get to jump in line ahead of you. More often than not, they insert us, one by one, in the regular line (Haunted Mansion) or we have to wait for a special ride vehicle (there's usually only one or perhaps 2) to come around so our wait is sometimes longer then yours (Toy Story, the Epcot Ball, the boat rides). You always sit in the very back of the auditorium in shows -- and I don't see anyone fighting for those seats -- and miss out on any special seat effects and, truthfully, the 3-D effects are just not as good that far back. The only true advantage I've seen is at parades where you have a special viewing area.

I'm heading to WDW in a week and I'll be one of those that -- hopefully! -- will be riding in a wheelchair but will be able to get out and stand in line on occasion. As I've been pretty much glued to my wheelchair for the past 3 WDW visits over the last 2 years, that will be a HUGE step forward for me. I'll be using a cane so perhaps I won't be as judged and scorned as those who don't. I've had a hard enough time accepting the fact that I am now a quasi-cripple without having others judge me without knowing anything about my formerly active lifestyle, my MS diagnosis, and my spontaneous hip cartilage tear (to the bone) that never healed properly despite surgery. None of those things "show" when you look at me.

I would certainly prefer to use an ECV so that I could maintain my independence somewhat but I can't use one because of MS-related visual problems that left me without 3-D vision. There's no way I could navigate lines, go up or down ramps, or keep from hitting people if I attempted to use one. I am doomed to being pushed around in a wheelchair by someone else and, believe me, it's no fun. I envy the people who are able to use one. They are the lucky ones.

Renting an ECV is expensive so I find it hard to believe that people would go to that expense just to get a marginal (perhaps fictional) jump in line. I truly believe the majority of people using these things really need them. Have some compassion -- just getting from the bus to the park entrance or to their hotel room may be all a person can do in a day. It sure is for me. Others may have heart problems or MS (getting "spaghetti legs" when you get hot isn't fun, trust me) or joint problems that you can't see. Or bad lungs -- and I could go on.

Wheelchairs and EVC are walking aids, just like canes are. They are meant to help people who can walk to better navigate distances. That means that people should be able to get off them and walk short distances and that may mean getting off to stand in queues or only getting off to board rides. Disney cast members are happy to accommodate transfers and they will park ECV or chair until you get off the ride. Disney bus drivers do not allow you to stay on your ECV or in your chair while they are in motion unless you absolutely can't transfer and then they have to strap you down and that takes time and gets them off their schedule. They love you if you sit in a regular seat.

I think people would be more compassionate if they realized that being in an ECV or wheelchair didn't give anyone an "unfair" advantage. I visit during off-peak times so I can assure everyone that at least during those times it definitely doesn't -- perhaps it makes more of a difference during busier times but since I don't go then, I wouldn't know. The bottom line is that there might be an advantage on some rides, a disadvantage on others, but most of the time you are in a regular line just like everyone else. It all comes out even in the end.

Have you ever had people glare at you from the regular line, when you were in the Fast Pass line? And you are thinking, what's their problem? Why don't they just get a Fast Pass, too? Well, perhaps we look at you all, standing there in the queue or walking around the park, and we yearn to be like you. We may not be resentful of you but some of us sure are grieving our loss of ability to do what you take for granted. We aren't thinking, oh goody, I get to jump in front of everyone else or I get to ride the wheelchair boat. We are trying to figure out how to maneuver safely on a moving sidewalk or board and exit a ride without hurting ourselves or how and where to stash our cane on a ride. Put yourselves in our shoes. One day you might be us.

Sandra wrote on Fri, 12/09/2011 - 07:13:

Sandra's picture

I, too, would like to say that just because a person can walk from their ECV to the ride seat doesn't mean they don't need to use one! The last time I went to Disneyland, I was so happy to be going, had been looking forward to it for a long, long time. After two hours of walking, I had to leave, crying all the way back to my hotel from the pain and bitter disappointment. The next day, I put my pride in my pocket and made the devastating decision to use an ECV for the first time in my life. I'm so glad I did! I was able to enjoy my beloved park from 8:00am to midnight closing with minimal pain. It occurred to me that some people were judging me for leaving my vehicle to use the restroom, get in food lines, etc. But I can't help what they think. I only hope they continue to enjoy their painfree mobility...and perhaps develop some compassion and tolerance for those of us who suffer after doing simple "normal" things. Not every disability is immediately obvious.

Anne wrote on Thu, 09/19/2013 - 02:20:

Anne's picture

i would love tips for navigating wdw with ECV. My family with 7 and 9 year old kids will be joined by my mother who has been using walker to get around since back surgery last year. we plan to rent evc for week. any tips for her and us? do all park busses accomodate ecv?

Kristen K. wrote on Thu, 09/19/2013 - 13:44:

Kristen K.'s picture

Hi Anne! All Park buses will accommodate a standard size ECV - sometimes if you get the basket added to the back it's too big. When I was there in June I had a basket on the back (from buena vista scooters) and I could only fit on the newer buses.

Tips - Lets see. It's very important to be aware of everything going on around you, because people walking don't always see the ECVs. I try to use "rules of the road" when I can: stay to the right, keep with the speed of traffic, pull over to the side of the walkway if you have to stop. WDW is very ECV friendly, she shouldn't have much trouble at all.

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. If you have a Gravatar account associated with the e-mail address you provide, it will be used to display your avatar.

More information about formatting options